A STRONG BUSINESS LOCATION

Your business can thrive in the Highlands and Islands

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is a unique government agency in the UK, with a remit for both community and economic development. A private and public sector collaborative approach to the development of key industries has proved successful for the region’s strong economic growth and stability.

We can help you explore the opportunities to locate in the Highlands and Islands. If you are interested in locating to the region, expanding or launching your business, we can provide you with a full range of tailored support. You’ll have a dedicated team to work with you every step of the way, both before and after you’ve made the move. We’ll help you get your business up and running quickly, and build strong foundations for future growth.

Regionally significant investments in the Highlands and Islands

Situated in the north east of Scotland, The Enterprise Park, Forres offers a fantastic working environment. Extending over 100 acres and developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, this inspirational business park has a range of high quality and flexible business units.

Scotland's stunning west coast is home to the European Marine Science Park, Oban which provides high quality laboratory and office accommodation in an established location for Marine Science. The emerging marine business cluster and world-renowned scientific expertise provides an entrepreneurial community where new and expanding businesses can thrive and grow.

One of the most ambitious projects in Scotland, Inverness Campus is becoming a nationally and internationally significant location for business, research and education. Developed by HIE, the Campus occupies 215 acres of prime development land sitting adjacent to a thriving life sciences community.

Arnish offers excellent opportunities for businesses associated with marine engineering that can support future national and international investments in both the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors. The park is a fully serviced site with deep water, heavy load quay facilities, providing a range of flexible serviced plots.

A diverse range of sectors and great opportunities

The Highlands and Islands of Scotland has seen rapid growth in the life sciences sector over the last ten years with particular regional strengths in digital healthcare and natural products. Scotland hosts the UK's second largest Life Sciences cluster and one of the most sizeable in Europe.Find out more »

With superb natural resources, modern fabrication and port facilities, and transferable skills from a thriving oil and gas industry, the Highlands and Islands is bidding to be a world capital for renewable energy.Find out more »

From world-class beef and lamb to fresh fish and shellfish, traditional shortbread, Scottish oatcakes and malt whisky, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland has it all. The industry generates turnover in excess of £1 billion per annum and supports around 26,000 full time jobs across the regionFind out more »

Business services organisations in the Highlands and Islands consistently hit high levels of performance that outstrip other UK sites. We excel in customer satisfaction and call resolution, in staff retention and low absenteeism, and also on competitive running costs.Find out more »

The creative industries sector is diverse and fast-growing, and makes an important contribution to the economy and cultural life of the Highlands and Islands. Scotland's creativity is recognised throughout the world and has a strong international reputation.Find out more »

Famous destinations such as the Isle of Skye, Cairn Gorm Mountain and Loch Ness with its fabled monster attract large numbers of visitors each year. Global whisky companies such as Diageo and Pernod Ricard showcase their individual brands through 5-star visitor centres, distinctive cultural and sporting events and exciting food and drink festivals.Find out more »

The Highlands and Islands of Scotland benefits from the presence of six higher education institutions – the universities of the Highlands and Islands, Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt and Stirling, the Glasgow School of Art and Scotland's Rural College.Find out more »

Discover why these companies think it's the perfect place to do business

Peterson has a key role in the oil and gas industry in Shetland, including decommissioning. Currently, the Greenhead base is the only operational onshore decommissioning site in Scotland and has significant potential for further growth.

BSW Timber Limited, established in 1848, is family owned and the largest sawmilling company in the UK, operating seven mills including the new world-class facility at Kilmallie Mill, near Fort William.